Reflections Shaws Bay - Holiday Park

Reflections Shaws Bay Holiday Park sits on the sheltered water of Shaws Bay at East Ballina, a caravan and cabin park with a pub next door and coastal walks from the gate. It is dog-friendly year-round on all caravan and camping sites, and dogs can stay in selected pet-friendly cabins and tiny homes.

The dog setup

Up to two dogs are allowed per approved site or dog-friendly cabin. Standard cabins are off limits, and Reflections warns that extra cleaning fees apply if animals are found in them, so book a designated pet-friendly option and declare your dog at the time of booking, since an undeclared dog can put your booking at risk.

Within the park, dogs stay on a lead no longer than two metres outside your own site or cabin, must never be left unattended, and are barred from shared facilities including amenities blocks, the camp kitchen, playground and pool. Pick up after your dog and use the bins provided.

Worth knowing

The bay water looks tempting but Ballina Shire Council prohibits dogs on the Shaws Bay beach and foreshore, so keep the lead on along the waterfront. The trade-off is proximity: the off-leash beach at the Ballina Spit is about five minutes away by car.

Guests return for the waterfront setting, the flat walks around the bay and the fishing, and the pub next door covers dinner without a drive. It is a low-key base rather than a resort, which suits dogs that settle easily.

Getting there and parking

The park is on the East Ballina side of the Richmond River, an easy drive from the Pacific Highway turn-off at Ballina, with parking at your site or cabin. Cabins book out in school holidays, so lock in a pet-friendly one early.

While you're out there

Compton Dog Park is a fully fenced option close by with agility equipment, and Missingham Park Off Leash Area gives your dog river shallows to paddle at the Ballina Spit.

For coffee, Double Shot on Brighton is the local dog-friendly cafe, and Lazy Days on Shaws Bay is a self-contained alternative nearby if the park is full.

See more dog-friendly stays in NSW or plan the area with our guide to East Ballina with the dogs.